Freemasons ink new $150,000 fundraising commitment in two-year plan
August 21, 2025
Freemasons have been quietly going about their business for centuries helping each other and their communities.
Evolving from gatherings of stone masons in the Middle Ages and once shrouded in mystery, Freemasons today have pulled back the veil of secrecy as they continue a long tradition of offering men camaraderie, support and purpose.
What is little known is that they pump about $5.5m annually into helping Queenslanders with their Hand Heart Pocket charity which matches, and often goes beyond, the money raised by local lodges.
In the Far North, Masonic “brothers” Dave Scott and Alan Sims, with a collective 66 years of membership between them, are proud representatives of the District Grand Lodge Carpentaria, which includes about 20 lodges from Tully to New Guinea and out west.
Alan Sims, who is a Right Worshipful Brother and local Hand Heart Pocket champion, said the Freemasons had given about $750,000 to the centre over the years including an impressive $500,000 donation in 2018 to help build the Reservoir Rd cancer care facility.
COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health) is one of the Carpentaria district’s major recipients along with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Prostate Cancer, Marilyn Mayo Accommodation, and Rural Fire Service, with connections made through founder, the late Charles Woodward, who was also a Freemason.
Milestone moment in long-term relationship
The year 2025 marks another milestone in the COUCH-Freemasons relationship with the Carpentaria Lodge signing on in a fundraising commitment worth $150,000 over two years.
It’s a massive shot in the arm for COUCH Cancer Hub NQ which relies on the generosity of the community and business partners.
The Freemasons choose to support COUCH and its survivorship model because of the overwhelming impact cancer has on society.
Mr Scott, who is District Grand Master, said many of their brothers and their family members had been affected by cancer and had used the wellness centre’s integrated services.
He said a lot of the money the district raised was through sausage sizzles and raffles with one enterprising Freemason tapping into a recycling revenue stream that was turning scrap metal into gold.
“It started off with batteries and then he got onto starter motors – now it’s aluminium, copper, gutting air-conditioners – you name it,” Mr Scott said.
Like many organisations the Freemasons are experiencing dwindling numbers and an aging base with people nowadays confronted with new and different priorities.
There are shoots of hope though with strong support from the Filipino community and some men in their late 20s joining up to be part of Freemasonry, which embraces all cultures, ages and religious beliefs.
Lifting the veil on traditions
Freemasons have long stood out from other organisations because of their ancient history, symbolism, ceremonies and regalia sometimes leading to conspiracies and misunderstandings.
“We have our meetings,” Mr Scott said
“It’s just like a sports committee, you’ve got a president and vice president – we just call them different things.”
While there were some customs they didn’t discuss publicly, Mr Scott said the essence of being a Freemason was to give back to the community.
“We’ve got blokes who go round and mow lawns and help older people if they need help with like the shopping and then take them home.”
Being a Freemason, Mr Sims said, was simply: “Very satisfying.”
If you’re interested in the Freemasons, contact Mr Sims on beezkneez86@gmail.com.